When one thinks about the Battle of Alberta, they tend to think about two passionate fan bases cheering their teams on or even the two teams that hate each others guts and express such emotion on the ice in enthralling ways.
But an intra provincial trade between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames? Unthinkable!
Even then, rumours suggesting Mangiapane could be dealt are starting to pick up. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, there is reason for Edmonton to use Mangiapane as a trade piece that doesn't carry the need for a return.
While Seravalli didn't name any destinations that could be looking for wingers like Mangiapane, a few do come to mind. Insiders have noted that the Winnipeg Jets could be willing to move on from players like Gustav Nyquist and Vladislav Namestnikov; with the Jets having lost nine of their last ten games and sitting nine back of the Los Angeles Kings for the final playoff spot, that interest could become more concrete in the lead up to the Olympic break.
Enter Calgary. Despite being the Pacific Division's worst team at one point, the Flames have significantly improved their position since; entering play on January 4th, Calgary sits just three back of the Kings for a playoffs. They've played some inspired hockey against top teams like Edmonton and Vegas and if that continues, Calgary could become fringe deadline buyers.
In terms of a potential trade for Andrew Mangiapane, there is some justification. Mangiapane has been a key component in getting the Flames to three playoff appearances between 2018-19 and 2021-22, with two of those including a Pacific Division title. And in the six seasons where Mangiapane played at least 40 games for the Flames, he's tallied at least 30 points in five of them.
I'll note his struggles later, but giving Mangiapane a change in scenery - especially one that is more familiar to him - could help Calgary significantly as they look to push for a first playoff appearance since that 2021-22 season.
As for Edmonton, there would be a benefit to deal him away. Mangiapane has struggled to find his past form with Edmonton, putting up just eleven points in forty games played for the Oilers. While his defensive play has been slightly better, his offensive struggles have cost him his place in the lineup. Having been a consistent healthy scratch in recent days, and with the likes of Jack Roslovic back from injury and performing well, Mangiapane could be on the way out sooner rather than later.
So what would a trade for Andrew Mangiapane look like? Considering that Edmonton is eager to deal the winger away, it would be quite simple to set up. Mangiapane does have a $3.6 million payday for each of the next two seasons, so any team willing to trade for him would have to absorb about 80% of that money. In terms of the return, I can't see it exceeding a late draft pick or two, a depth piece, or a small combination of both.
In the case of trading Andrew Mangiapane to Calgary, the Flames would be able to match that asking price and more. According to PuckPedia, Calgary has about $10 million in projected cap space, making deadline moves for short-term loans or low-price contracts extremely conceivable. The Flames also have one pick each in the fifth and sixth-rounds of the upcoming NHL draft, which would allow the team to match any draft pick ask on the part of the Oilers.
Should Calgary want to deal a player to Edmonton as part of the return, Ryan Lomberg could be that player. He's currently sitting on a $2 million contract and is set to enter 2026-27 as a free agent. While he has struggled this season, he would be a valuable depth piece for the Oilers as they look to push for a third-straight Stanley Cup Final berth.
While Rasmus Andersson has been a part of trade talks for a very long time and could potentially be dealt at the deadline, I don't think it would be as part of an Andrew Mangiapane deal.
Some may see a trade between two long time rivals as unthinkable, but it's been done. Boston only recently traded Brandon Carlo to the Leafs, and we all know what kind of emotional damage the Bruins have inflicted on Toronto.
While Calgary might not be the preferred trade destination for Oilers fans, it could be a very beneficial one. And in the case of an Andrew Mangiapane deal, both the Flames and Oilers would win.